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Top Scissor Lifts You Should Consider
When looking for a scissor lift for your project, it’s important to look for how the machine can help you get the job done safely and efficiently. With common brands like JLG, Genie, Skyjack, and Haulotte available, buyers often ask which scissor lift is right for their project. In Australia we have unique challenges that come from different construction sites and general maintenance requirements. In this review, we take a close look at four standout scissor lifts that are proving their worth on job sites across the country in 2025. Whether you're working indoors, tackling rough terrain, or looking to cut emissions without sacrificing performance, these models offer a smart blend of usability, durability, and innovation.
Best Overall Winner - Haulotte Optimum 8 (19 Foot Electric Scissor Lift)
This staple of the hire industry is the most used scissor in Australia for a reason. Its compact size and reliability make it a favourite for construction projects, painters, and general maintenance.
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Compact Design: At just 0.79?m wide and 1.9?m long, it easily navigates through standard doorways and tight spaces.
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High Manoeuvrability: Features a tight turning radius of 1.8?m, perfect for navigating internal works.
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Easy Maintenance: Equipped with brushless AC motors to reduce maintenance costs and swing-out trays with accessible components making servicing easy.
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User-Friendly Controls: Proportional controls and the Haulotte Activ’Screen provide intuitive operation and real-time diagnostics.
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Additional Features: 5 Year Warranty Rated for both indoor and outdoor, with pothole protection and battery management software.
Consider adding the factory fitted pipe rack or panel carrier attachment to ensure hands free operation when using the lift.
Best for tight spaces - Haulotte Compact 10N (26 Foot Narrow Electric Scissor Lift)
This narrow scissor lift, part of the Compact range, is designed to get where others can’t. At just 81cm wide it is a game changer when needing to squeeze between tight aisles, while still reaching 10m or 32ft working height.
Main features:
- Slim Profile: With a width of 0.81?m, it operates efficiently in narrow aisles and tight spaces.
- Low height access: features easy to fold guardrails meaning the machine can fit through narrow and low spaces.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Includes pothole protection and integrated ladder protection to ensure operator safety.
- Efficient Operation: Proportional movements with an ergonomic control box featuring a grab handle and speed selector
- Other features: 5-year warranty, plus full height driving with no restrictions.
Best for rough surfaces - Haulotte Compact DX (Diesel Rough Terrain Scissor Lift)
When you need to get through rough terrain that others cannot handle look no further than the Compact DX. With two height options 10m (33ft) or 12m (39ft) the Compact DX will tackle the toughest terrain with ease!
Main features:
- All-Terrain Capability: Features 4-wheel drive and automatic differential lock for superior traction on rough surfaces.
- High Load Capacity: Supports up to 565?kg (10DX), meaning more people and more equipment.
- Stability quick and easy: Equipped with self-leveling outriggers positioned within the machine's footprint for safe operation on uneven ground all controlled by one switch.
- Extended Platform: Provides over 3.7?m of usable platform space, enhancing productivity.
- Other features: Built for reliability with easy-to-maintain components, 28cm ground clearance and 40% gradeability
Highest reach - Haulotte HS18 E PRO (Electric Rough Terrain Scissor Lift)
Looking for the best of both worlds, then you need this fully electric beast. Capable of carrying up to 750 kg without making a sound, this big deck scissor features some of the best technology available in Australia and can be used inside and out!
Main features:
- Eco-Friendly Operation: Part of Haulotte’s PULSEO generation, offering electric drive with zero emissions and reduced noise.
- High Load Capacity: Supports up to 750?kg, with a basket extension option up to 7.5m
- Enhanced Safety Features: Includes Haulotte Activ’Shield Bar to reduce the risk of overhead crushing injuries and Activ’Lighting for visibility in low light
- User-Friendly Interface: Haulotte Activ’Screen provides real-time diagnostics and maintenance alerts, simplifying operation.
Summary: Which Scissor Lift Should You Choose?
Whether you are looking to grow your fleet, or need a safe way to reach heights, then this list provides you with the best options for Australia in 2025. Whatever scissor you choose, make sure you are looking at the safety benefits, quality of build and ease of operation to ensure you have a machine that stands the test of time
Need help deciding which model fits your job? Speak to your local Haulotte representative or explore the machine selector tool on Haulotte.com.au to find the right fit faster.
What to Consider When Buying a Scissor Lift in Australia
- Working Height – how high do you need to reach?
- Indoor vs Outdoor – electric for clean environments, diesel for rough terrain.
- Weight Capacity – check load rating for people + tools.
- Platform Size & Access – narrow models for tight spaces.
- Brand & Support – JLG, Genie, Skyjack, and Haulotte all offer scissor lifts, but Haulotte provides a 5-year manufacturer warranty and local service support across Australia.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best scissor lift for indoor spaces?
A: The Haulotte Optimum 8 is ideal for narrow indoor environments. It’s compact, manoeuvrable, and fits through standard doorways, making it a top choice for warehouse and facility maintenance tasks.
Q2. What’s the difference between the Compact models?
A: The Compact electric range includes working heights from 8 -14m is part of the and includes the narrow models like the 10N which are fully electric operation with a smaller body for tight access, The DX range comes in both 10 and 12m and is a rough-terrain diesel model with 4WD and outriggers, built for outdoor, uneven ground.
Q3. Are electric scissor lifts powerful enough for outdoor use?
A: Yes. Models like the Haulotte HS15 E PRO are fully electric but designed for rough terrain, offering four wheel drive, zero emissions and strong performance without sacrificing load capacity or stability.
Q4. Should I choose diesel or electric for construction work?
A: It depends on your site. Electric lifts are best for low-noise, emission-sensitive areas, while diesel lifts like the Compact 12DX are more suited to rugged outdoor conditions. Hybrid and electric rough terrain options are now bridging the gap.
Q5. How do Haulotte scissor lifts compare to other brands?
A: Haulotte scissor lifts are known for their strong build quality, safety features like Activ’Shield Bar, and user-friendly controls. They are backed by a 5 year manufacturer warranty not offered by any other manufacturer.
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